Turkey Destination Guide

Dalyan

Dalyan is a town in Mugla Province located between the well-known districts of Marmaris and Fethiye on the south-west coast of Turkey. The town (depends) the district of Ortaca administratively. Dalyan achieved international fame in 1986 when developers wanted to build a luxury hotel on the nearby Iztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle species. The incident created major international storm when David Bellamy championed the cause of the conservationists. The development project was stopped and the beach is now a protected area. Life in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan Cayi River which flows past the town. The boats that ply up and down the river, navigating the maze of reeds, are the preferred means of transport to all the local sites.

Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)

Iztuzu Beach is a long beach near Dalyan, in the Ortaca district of Mugla Province in southwestern Turkey. It is world famous as one of the rare breeding grounds for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and is often called Turtle Beach. The greatest threat to the survival of the loggerhead sea turtle is on these sandy beaches where its life begins. This has triggered an international conservation effort that began in the 1990s. The effort to protect loggerhead sea turtle eggs and to assure a safe breeding ground for this endangered species has made international headlines. This issue is one of the most critical items on Turkeys environmental agenda. The two other breeding grounds for the turtles are also in Turkey, in Adana districts of Karatas and Yumurtalik.

Ekincik Bay

Ekincik is a bay which became secret bay between Marmaris and Dalyan, in fact a sort of earth paradise.. Unique tip to find here is residential area which was consisted of a few districts and called on the map Kucukler Village. Our trip to earth paradise, I mean, Ekincik Bay... Ekincik is way port of foreign yachts and tourist ships. You can find so many choices for entertainment. Water sports, beach holiday, restaurants, trekking, yachting, swimming, sun bath.. etc. Daily boat trip is organized from Dalyan and by river boat. From the harbour we take the boat through the river to the open sea, and continue north-east to the fabulous bay of Ekincik. On the way, take a break by the caves for swimming & diving. After having lunch on board we follow our route to Evince sailing on the turqouise waters, surrounded by lush green mountain scenery. Ekincik bay has a beautiful beach with small cafes & restaurants.

Kaunos

Kaunos ancient city in the coast of Dalyan canal connecting Koycegiz Lake to Mediterranean starts in the north of the port and ends in the rocky places on the upper part of Dalyan village. According to the legend, Kaunos who is the son of Miletos did not answer that love when his sister Byblis falls in love with him and then Byblis hanged herself. Thereupon, Kaunos was sent to exile, came to Karia region and founded the city. The most important characteristic of the ancient city is the rock tombs which stand strongly even today. There were shipyards in Kaunos and a port (Suluklu Lake of today) at the lower part of Akropolis (Fortress and city walls, City center), according to Strabon the geographer from Amasya. In those times, the sea was reaching up to Acropolis. The city was ruled by the Persian, Egyptian, Rhodes, Bergamo kingdom and Rome Empire in the course of time.